Paper trade refers to using simulated trading to practice trading strategies without actual money being involved. It can be done hypothetically by simply keeping track of positions but it is much more beneficial to use a stock market simulator, one that has the look and feel of an actual stock market.

Stocks are a risky asset and trading/investing in risky assets must be done with thought and deliberation. Stock selection is possibly one of the most important components to being a successful trader, making consistent profits. Before you trade a stock you should ask why this stock?